The boy stared at Matt, then at me. “Did you know Barney Ross was a war hero?” He asked unapologetically.

“Yes,” I replied. “He won a Silver Star at Guadalcanal.”

“Did you win a Silver Star?”

“I wasn’t in the war.”

“Did you win any awards for anything?”

“A few,” I replied honestly.

“Like what?” the boy raised his voice.

“Tommy, I didn’t say I was Barney Ross.” I tried to calm him down. “My grandfather just compared me to him.”

“You can’t compare to Barney Ross,” Tommy shouted. He turned abruptly and ran towards a small office at the front of the gym.

“Tommy! Get back here,” Matt called after him, but the boy darted into the office and slammed the door behind him.

“Barry,” Matt turned to his assistant. “What’s with him today?”

Barry shrugged. “He’s probably on the computer checking Eddie out.”

“Don’t be too hard on him,” I said. “He doesn’t know me.”

“That kid’s a handful,” Matt said. “You know much about kids?”

“I know I like them,” I said. “I coached a youth boxing program in Boston for a while.”

“You did?” Matt said. “Well how about doing some volunteer work for us? We

could use you.”

“Let me think about it,” I hedged.

We walked around the gym and talked about the Boca P.A.L. program. It sounded a lot like the Boston version, with emphasis on creating a bond between the youth of the community and the police in their neighborhood. He gave me a brochure. “We do good work, Eddie,” he said earnestly.

I nodded and glanced at my watch. Forty-five minutes had passed since I entered the gym. “I have to get going, Matt,” I apologized. “I’ve got an important appointment nearby.” I shook hands with Matt and Barry. I was about to leave when Tommy Bigelow returned on the run. Tommy’s face was red, and he was wide eyed. He held up a stack of printed paper.

“Is that all about me?” I laughed nervously.

He nodded his head. “Me and the Professor found it,” He said proudly and started to read slowly, like an eight year old.

“Right,” the Professor answered. He took some of the papers from Tommy. “Listen to this,” the Professor began. “Eddie Perlmutter received two Police Department Medals of Honor, two medals for valor, three medals for merit, and a Mayor’s Commendation.”

“You were a super cop,” Matt said.

“It was a long time ago,” I said.

“Officer Matt, can I tell the other kids in the gym about Mr. Perlmutter?” Tommy asked.

“Call me Eddie,” I told him.

“Sure,” Matt said, and the kids were off and running.

“This is embarrassing,” I said

“You should be very proud of your record, Eddie.”

“I can barely remember the things I did as a kid,” I said checking my watch. “Hey, I gotta go.”

“Here’s my card, Eddie. Call me anytime.”

I thanked him and put his card in my shirt pocket. I started for the door.